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    Robpit's Avatar
    Robpit Posts: 7, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Nov 14, 2007, 07:56 AM
    Dripping Gas Water Heater at Nipples
    Hi:
    I just installed a GE water heater and noticed that there are drips of water where I connected the adapters to the nipples. I used Shark Bite 3/4 inch adapter, also used teflon tape.
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
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    #2

    Nov 14, 2007, 08:32 AM
    Is it the taped joint or the shark bite joint that's leaking?

    It seems that the Shark bite fittings have very specific assembly instructions. http://www.cashacme.com/SharkBiteInst.pdf
    Robpit's Avatar
    Robpit Posts: 7, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Nov 14, 2007, 08:43 AM
    It is the taped joint
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
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    #4

    Nov 14, 2007, 09:35 AM
    Here's instructions:

    Plumbing Repair Guide: How To Use Teflon Tape - ACME HOW TO.com

    There are a couple of things that can go wrong. Going all the way to the end sometimes pulls and tears the tape.

    Here is a discussion about tighening NPT threads.

    How tight should you install a NPT fitting?

    NPT is National Pipe Thread and it's a tapered thread, so it will either seal or rip the teflon tape. As the link above states, you need to get a feel for it.
    labman's Avatar
    labman Posts: 10,580, Reputation: 551
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    #5

    Nov 14, 2007, 11:16 AM
    How clean were the threads in the tank? They often come from the factory with crud in them. You may need to remove them, clean up with a wire brush, and reassemble.
    Robpit's Avatar
    Robpit Posts: 7, Reputation: 1
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    #6

    Nov 14, 2007, 11:20 AM
    They we clean, but this begs another question. The nipples had a blue plastic insert for cold water and a red insert for the hot water... should I have removed them before I attached the adapter?
    labman's Avatar
    labman Posts: 10,580, Reputation: 551
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    #7

    Nov 14, 2007, 12:07 PM
    Those are dielectric nipples. If they had little flaps sealing them, I would remove the flaps. Either leave the inserts in, or pitch the nipples. Flip a coin after reading https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/plumbi...ic-151348.html
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